Scottish football clubs have stated that no supporters will be denied entry for failing to produce a vaccine passport this weekend.
Games at Tynecastle, Pittodrie and Ibrox were initially set to be the first where only fully-vaccinated supporters could gain entry, along with exempt groups including under-18s.
Events organisers were then given a two-week grace period as details were ironed out but Hearts, Rangers and Aberdeen were still going ahead with test events.
However, further problems with the technology surrounding certifications mean no fans will be denied entry.
Ahead of Saturday’s meeting between Hearts and Motherwell, the Edinburgh club said: “While the Scottish Government have confirmed the rule will not be enforced until 18 October, we are to use the grace period ‘to test, adapt and build confidence in the practical arrangements’.
“As such, tomorrow’s cinch Premiership fixture against Motherwell will see us trial the new arrangements and all supporters will be admitted to Tynecastle, regardless of whether they have proof of vaccination or not.
“The trial run will enable us to gather data and supporter feedback with a view to minimising disruption once the grace period ends on October 18.
“The scheme will be fully implemented from October 18 onwards and from that point forward, any person failing to prove their vaccine certification or exemption status will, in compliance with the law, unfortunately be refused entry.”
Aberdeen have totally abandoned plans for the trial ahead of Sunday’s visit of Celtic.
The Dons said in a statement: “Following today’s news that there are major problems with Scotland’s Covid Vaccine App, including our own testing and feedback from fans, Aberdeen Football Club will postpone trialling the proof of vaccine scheme this weekend.
“With less than two days to go, the issues with the app combined with unanswered questions about implementation have forced us to reconsider our plans for testing the scheme at the Celtic game.
“The controversial scheme is costing the club time and money to implement. Indeed, our staff have spent most of this week dealing solely with its implications and our ticket office continues to be inundated with calls from fans worried they will not get in because they cannot access the app.”
Ahead of their game against Hibernian, Rangers said: “After further engagement with the Scottish government, we can confirm that although we are being encouraged to use this game as a ‘test event’, no supporter will be refused entry.
“We apologise for the inconvenience regarding this confusion which has been beyond our control.”
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